Elements of Animal Physiology

Abstract

THERE is more than one way by which the relative importance of scientific facts may be arrived at. An investigator, whilst prosecuting his independent researches, will not be long in forming a fairly accurate standard, and this he finds it easy to impart to others. Many engaged in educational work find it impossible to afford the time for independent observation or prolonged study, and yet it is their ambition to give their pupils a fairly correct estimate as to those of the innumerable facts surrounding them on which they should lay stress in preparing for a pass examination. The standard with them therefore becomes nothing more nor less than the questions of former years or of ether similar examinations; the work which answers the greatest number of these in the most satisfactory manner being looked upon as the most valuable, especially if the irrelevant matter is reduced to a minimum. The small book before us contains a carefully compiled and accurate digest of many of the most prominent facts of human physiology, with incidental references to some of the best known peculiarities of a few of the lower animals, illustrated by several appropriate and well-selected diagrams, among which, however, there is an important one indicating the general distribution of the arterial system, which is unfortunately reversed, and another explaining the leverages of the body, representing a man as standing with his centre of gravity far in front of the tips of his toes. The language employed is clear and concise, whilst many of the best known terms in common use among physiologists are explained in a glossary at the end of the book. Some of the practical illustrations suggested to the pupil for his own instruction are particularly to the point. There are some explanations with which, however, we cannot agree, such as that the activity of the circulation of the blood which accompanies physical exercise is the result of the alternate compression and relaxation of the veins; and that a much vaunted theory as to the cause of cholera, which involves the purchase of a much advertised apparatus for its relief, has sufficient foundation for even the slightest mention in any book for the use of students. The non-technical character of the work will commend it to many as a useful introduction to physiology.

Elements of Animal Physiology.

Elementary Science Series. By J. Angel. (W.Collins and Co., 1874.)